Finding Your Way Home

Lenders look at your credit report to determine whether you qualify for a loan or credit card. Inaccurate information could lead to an unfavorable interest rate or outright denial of your application. You should periodically request copies of your credit reports and check them for errors. If you find a mistake, act immediately to have it corrected so it doesn’t hurt your chances of obtaining credit.

While a budget may seem restrictive and burdensome, in reality, it gives you control of your life and allows you to make proactive choices about your money. Bringing down your debt and living within your means enables you to feel good about your life again.

Overwhelmed about where to begin? Here’s a five-step plan from Lending Club to put you on the path to taking control of your finances. Even if you already have a budget in place, it’s a good idea to re-evaluate using these guidelines.

If you pay your credit card bill in full each month and don’t pay interest, you’re using your credit wisely.

You’re not only getting a free 50-day loan through a credit card’s grace period, but you can get some of the best credit card rewards without having to pay the high interest rates that usually accompany the best rewards cards.

Low-interest credit cards can offer modest rewards. High-interest cards, however, usually offer higher rewards, such as more airline miles, points or cash back.

A late payment on a credit bill or other debt such as a mortgage can have a significant impact on your credit score. And the higher your credit score is to begin with, the more it can fall after a late payment.

Paying your bills on time is the best way to avoid this. If you don’t make your payments and your account is turned over to a collections agency, you won’t be able to get that account current again. Late payments can stay on a credit report for seven years.

A debit card is a smart way to shop if you want to avoid using a credit card that will charge you interest if you don’t pay the balance in full each month. But because a debit card is directly tied to your bank account, you can lose a lot of protections.

Debit Card Hassles
While a debit card can be seen as safer than carrying cash, it can be a costly mistake if a thief steals it or your personal information to empty your bank account.

We’ve all felt the effects of inflation, whether through higher gas prices or spending more on food at the grocery store, but it’s left many of us wondering what it means for the housing market. While inflation can be somewhat unpredictable, we can look at a few key ways it’s been known to impact the housing market. Through this, we can better understand what it means for homeowners and homebuyers.

What is inflation?

Getting ready to move into your new home can be a hectic experience. From getting items out of storage to transferring items from your old home into your new space, it’s easy to lose track of things. That’s why it is important to keep track of essential items during the move.